Planning For Future Upgrades To Mackay–Bucasia Road

Planning is underway to identify future upgrades to Mackay–Bucasia Road to improve congestion, active transport, safety, and flooding impacts.

The $750,000 planning project is funded by the Queensland Government under the Transport System Planning Program. It will identify, assess, and prioritise key deficiencies along the corridor.  

In addition to extra lanes, future intersection upgrades and improved turning movement opportunities will be considered to improve capacity and safety.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said, "Mackay–Bucasia Road is the primary commuter and freight route between Mackay and the Northern Beaches.

"The 11-kilometre corridor connects the Bruce Highway in North Mackay to Rural View, Bucasia, Eimeo, Dolphin Heads, Blacks Beach and Shoal Point,” he said.

"Growth in Mackay's Northern Beaches has resulted in increased congestion and safety concerns on Mackay-Bucasia Road.

"This planning project will identify the highest priority for future upgrades between North Mackay and the Northern Beaches."

As part of this planning, the Queensland Government is seeking community input regarding road user experience and potential future upgrades to Mackay–Bucasia Road.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said, “the Mackay Bucasia Road upgrades are important for the safety and growth of the Northern Beaches communities.

“It is vital TMR hear from locals who regularly use the road, so future planning meets the needs of the community.”

A business case for the highest priority upgrades on Mackay-Bucasia Road is being developed and is expected to be finalised mid-2024. The TMR website says that submissions will close on August 23, 2023.

For further information and to provide feedback, please visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects

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Have Your Say On Mackay-Bucasia Road

Caption: Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Jarrod Bleijie are calling on the public to have their say on Mackay-Bucasia Road

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is calling on Northern Beaches residents frustrated by the congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road to register their support for upgrades and express their main concerns.

Ms Camm said residents should visit nodelays.com.au to complete a short online form.

“Since the 2020 election I have called on the Queensland Government to address the access issues that have arisen due to rapid growth at the Northern Beaches,” she said.

“We are dealing with long travel times in peak periods, congestion at roundabouts and school zones, and, of course, emergency response issues with the one way in, one way out problem.

“Unfortunately, we have seen very little progress which is why I am asking Northern Beaches residents to register their concerns and call for action.”

Ms Camm said the daily traffic delays in getting to and from work, schools and other city services was no longer acceptable.

“In some sections of Mackay-Bucasia Road there is just one lane in and out servicing a population of about 21,000,” she said.

“Growth in that part of our region is not slowing. In fact, the number of Northern Beaches residents is expected to increase by more than 9000 by the mid-2030s.”

Ms Camm said it was well and truly time to “Build it for the Beaches”.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is currently taking submissions as part of a planning process and Ms Camm encouraged Northern Beaches residents to also make a submission directly to TMR.

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